When it comes to fashion, everything old is new again and retro kicks are experiencing a massive revival. The simple silhouettes translate easily to on-trend colours and materials, which means there’s a pair for every style personality.

First appearing on the Fall15 runways, it hasn’t taken long for the sock boot to appear on the high street. The combination of sock & ankle boot is available in a variety of textures & lengths and will work in harmony with most of your wardrobe.

As the weather starts to cool, don't sacrifice your style while waiting for school pick ups or on the sporting sidelines, instead invest in a variety of outwear to survive the season. Here are five key outerwear shapes every Mum should have in her winter wardrobe and what to look for when making your next purchase.

The Denim Jacket

The perfect item for trans-seasonal dressing, the denim jacket never goes out of style. The sightly fitted silhouette complements all body types but as they come in a variety of lengths, ensure you find the right hemline for you. The classic colour, faded blue, is the perfect wardrobe addition to dress up your basics or alternatively, give your dressier items a casual feel.

The Bomber Jacket

With all things athleisure being chic, the bomber jacket is back in fashion. It creates an effortless sporty edge and is a great alternative to a denim jacket, instantly make an outfit look more casual. The traditional bomber silhouette is oversized, so correct fit is important, especially around your shoulders. The bomber jacket is this seasons must have item, from embroidered florals or aviator inspired shapes, there will be one to suit your unique personal style.

The Military Anorak

A silhouette that never goes out of style, the utilitarian design of a military jacket adds an effortlessly cool look to your wardrobe staples. The most flattering styles have drawcords at the waist and slimmer sleeves that visually create shape when wearing winter layers. The customary colour, khaki or olive green, compliments both bright and neutral colours making the military anorak easy to wear in all seasons.

The Trench

Originally developed as an army coat, the trench coat has evolved into a chic yet practical coat for women. It works in almost any climate, is comfortable and transitions easily from day to night. When investing in a trench it’s important to choose a button style that flatters your frame and check the fit, especially around your shoulders. A classic beige trench is chic but also consider a brighter colour, think red or cobalt blue, that works across all seasons.

The Puffer

Although the puffer jacket has a reputation for being more functional than flattering, it doesn’t need to be the case. To avoid overwhelming your frame, look for slimline styles with diamond or chevron shaped stitches that will visually slim and elongate your body. The puffer jacket comes in a variety of lengths, so consider your height and buy a hemline to suit your portions. With the puffer jacket becoming more popular, the colour choices are too, so it will be easy to buy one that enhances your natural complexion instead of conventional black.

February is over, the month of fashion weeks has come and gone... In contrast to previous Fall collections there was a move away from minimalist tendencies to a more diverse direction for next winter. So, with the shift what trends should you invest in now that you’ll be able to wear later?

Red

Metallic, especially silver

Shearling

Checks

You'll also start to notice pieces, both garments and accessories, with elements inspired by the 1970s, so consider injecting these trends into your wardrobe too!

The blazer is a wardrobe staple but it’s days of being associated with corporate two-piece suits is over; instead these structured jackets have become a style staple of their own. This winter many of the seasons key trends easily translate to the blazer silhouette and are surprisingly versatile to wear. If you're thinking about updating your blazer this season, consider these different directions.

Tartan, in particular the Prince of Wales, was the key print of the Winter 2016 collections & fashionistas have been quick to adopt this trend on the street. Perfect for winter, tartan easily translates across all garment types, so this season you’ll find a piece that will suit both your unique style personality and lifestyle.

For more outfit inspiration have a look at my pinterest board: trending: tartan.

As you know, the easiest way to update your look is with an accessory and this season it’s all about the fishnet. They are no longer considered rebellious or super sexy but are being added to daytime outfits, creating an on trend & textured look.

Who hasn't bought clothes that end up hanging unworn in your wardrobe? Even if the clothing fits well when you're trying it on, there are other factors to consider in the change room before making a purchase to avoid buyer’s remorse.

Look at the care instructions. Will you really separately hand wash the item? Dry clean only? You’ll need to consider the additional cost & hassle of a visit to the cleaners.

When you’re standing in front of the mirror, it may fit but how does it look and feel when you sit, bend or raise your arms?

Test the fabric. Do you find it comfortable to wear? Does the fabric crease easily? Run your finger across the fabric, does it mark easily?

Check all the zippers work, the buttons in place and there are no loose threads.

Whether you’re a handbag fanatic or an accessories minimalist, the everyday handbag is a wardrobe staple... and probably the hardest working item in your wardrobe! So it's important to find one that's affordable & right for you. Here are my tips for finding the perfect handbag.

Look for a handbag that expresses your unique personal style. If your style is classic, a hobo handbag looks great with simple chic outfits or if your style is romantic a clutch adds a feminine flair to your outfit.

Choose a colour that complements your wardrobe. A neutral handbag, think navy or tan, works back with brighter clothing or a handbag in a pop of colour, think pink or red, works well with a monochrome wardrobe.

The size of the bag should work in harmony with your silhouette. A larger bag can overwhelm a petite frame or a small bag can be lost on a taller frame.

The most flattering handbag shape is one that is opposite to your body, if you are curvy consider a more angular handbag or if have an athletic figure look for more rounded styles.

It's important to think about the length of the handbag; where you hold your handbag visually draws attention to that area. If you want your waist to be the focus wear your handbag on your shoulder or if you want to highlight your legs hold the bag low.

Velvet is set to be one of the biggest trends this coming winter, it’s luxurious and sophisticated but worn incorrectly, it can look matronly or even like you are going to fancy dress party! So how to wear this tricky trend & add a touch of glam to your wardrobe?

Simple silhouettes are key; think blazer, slip dress or skirt.

Keep your outfit looking effortless, only wear one velvet piece at a time.

Balance the luxe feel of velvet with raw fabrics like denim or leather.

White shoes, especially sneakers, have been trending for the past few seasons and luckily, they are no longer considered trashy as they were in the 80s. This season you’ll find them in every shoe silhouette, from sandals to stilettos or block heels to brogues, they are the perfect way to update your look.

When I'm in a client’s wardrobe, I often suggest they think about the Jil Sander quote ‘buy less, think more’. Needless to say, I get mixed reactions! I’m not suggesting they should have a minimalist wardrobe or to stop shopping, I’m asking them to put more thought into what they are purchasing to create a functioning wardrobe, one that is well curated to their suit lifestyle and individual personal style. It’s about having a wardrobe that exclusively holds clothes and accessories that add value to their wardrobe as a whole.

I understand it can sound a little overwhelming a first but it will ultimately save you time, money and it will be easier to create a variety of outfits! So before making that next purchase consider the following,

With all things 90s trending it seems the stirrup pant is making a comeback too. They were noticeable on the Fall 2016 catwalk collections of Balenciaga & Marni and just a season later fashionistas are wearing them on the streets. Will we see them in stores for Winter 2017? Only time will tell!

The denim jean, it's a worldwide wardrobe staple and with each season the styling gradually changes. During the recent Spring Summer 2017 Fashion Weeks it became obvious denim trends are all about the details at the hem, there was everything from asymmetrical to frayed and cropped to exaggerated. It’s the subtle tweaking of a jean that can update your entire outfit. If you're not sure about the new look, try a bit of DIY with an old pair of jeans before investing your fashion funds!

Wicker, raffia and straw bags in all shapes & sizes appear to be the new ‘it bag’ among the street style fashionistas. The larger baskets are comfortable & perfect for carrying loads of things, whereas the smaller bags create a more relaxed look for the day. The best news about this trend is you probably already have one in your wardrobe!